The Book Thief is the story of a young girl. Living with her adoptive family, she grows a love for books and gradually understands the power of words, for both good and bad. Set in World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s innovative new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger; Liesel scrapes out a miserable life for herself by theft when she meets something she can’t fight back.

That something is books. With the help of her father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing attacks as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her cellar before he is marched to Dachau. It is a completely moving book which will leave you flat with its pictures of Nazi Germany’s, friendship and loss. First published in 2005, the book won numerous awards and was listed on The New York Times Best Seller list for 375 weeks.

The author has an exceptional grasp over the English language and his words bring Liesel and her world to existence. The Book Thief will move the reader to glee and sadness, frequently at the same time. This is a memorable story about the capability of books to feed the soul even in the most frustrating times. The book is readily available on Amazon in hardcover.